Bonnies Kick Off 2025-26 Season vs. Bradley in Opening Day Marathon
The St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team is set to begin its 2025-26 season against Bradley. The game will take place during the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon on November 3. Scheduled for an 11 a.m. ET tipoff, it will be held at the Rock Hill Events Center and will be streamed live on the Field of 68’s YouTube channel and X (formerly Twitter).
Bonnies’ Impressive Exhibition Performance
Recently, St. Bonaventure secured a convincing victory in an exhibition match against Alfred, winning 101-40 on October 29 at the Reilly Center. During this game, five players from the Bonnies scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth. Notably, all 11 active players contributed to the scoring.
- The Bonnies scored 54 points in the paint, well above Alfred’s total.
- They had a notable shooting night, making 44.8% of their three-point attempts (13-for-29).
- St. Bonaventure turned 23 forced turnovers into 38 points.
- During a significant stretch in the second half, the Bonnies held Alfred scoreless for nearly 15 minutes, outscoring them 35-7 in that period.
Coach Mark Schmidt emphasized the importance of this exhibition, stating, “First impressions are everything.” He noted the significance of showcasing the team’s potential to the local community.
Previewing the Matchup Against Bradley
Bradley will enter the game following a successful 2024-25 season, earning 28 wins, their highest total since 1985-86. The Braves were impressive in their long-range shooting, achieving a national-best 39.8% from three-point range. Graduated players Duke Deen and Christian Davis were key contributors, with Deen hitting 111 three-pointers, leading the Missouri Valley Conference.
This matchup marks the first contest between St. Bonaventure and Bradley since December 30, 1972, when the Braves narrowly defeated the Bonnies 79-77 in Charlotte, NC. Both teams have undergone significant changes, with Bradley retaining only six players and just 26.8% of last year’s scoring.
Roster Changes for St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure is also experiencing a notable roster transformation, welcoming 11 new players this season. Among these newcomers, seven have transferred from various conferences, including the Big Ten and MAC. The remaining four freshmen hail from overseas:
- Ilia Ermakov – Kirsk, Russia
- John Ikpotokin – Dublin, Ireland
- Achille Lonati – Pavia, Italy
- Andrew Osasuyi – Magenta, Italy
Interestingly, Lonati and Osasuyi were born in the same hospital just over a year apart, marking them as the first pair of Italian teammates in Division I men’s basketball since 2016.
Stay updated with St. Bonaventure athletics by following them on social media platforms, including X (@GoBonnies) and Instagram (@bonnies_mbb) for the latest news and updates.
